Case Study: The River Eden - Geology
Geography: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 1.1.22
Influences of Geology on River Eden's Geomorphic Processes
The geology of the River Eden's basin affects how geomorphic processes have shaped and continue to shape the landscape.
Edges of the Eden Basin
- At the edges of the Eden's basin are hard rocks that have resisted erosion over time and so remain as elevated ground.
- But carbonation weathering is wearing away the limestone that is exposed.
West of the Eden Basin
- To the west of the Eden's basin are impermeable igneous rocks that are covered in streams.
- Heavy rain can rapidly enter water channels in the basin from streams in V-shaped valleys. Rapid surface runoff can lead to rapid increases in channel volume.
Middle and lower courses of the Eden
- Sandstone dominates in the Eden's middle and lower courses.
- This soft sandstone is easily eroded by the river, which has considerable energy to erode laterally.
- Lateral erosion leads to the formation of meanders and river cliffs.
Test yourself on Case Study: The River Eden - Geology
What dominates in the Eden's middle and lower courses?